Something To Ponder​A blog by Nancy Zimmerman

​For those who are unaware, I had bariatric surgery. While I am thrilled to note after five months I have lost about sixty-five pounds, it has been a journey that has held some unexpected results.
I had six months of preparation for the surgery. I thought that seemed unnecessary until I got nearer and nearer surgery. I realized then that it was something that amounted to a totally different life style. Those who seek bariatric surgery have several different reasons for seeking this kind of solution. In my case, I was experiencing difficulty in being as mobile as I wanted to be. I had lost significant amounts of weight two different times in my life. One time, the weight stayed off for about eighteen years then came back on quickly. The next time the weight came off relatively quickly, but did not stay off very long. I learned about myself and my relationship with food during both of these experiences. ​

Nancy

Zimmerman

nzbestself.com

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Something to Ponder

Living Life After Bariatric Surgery

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As I continued to age, the weight became a limiting factor for me. I realized as I embarked on a new career, that if I were going to be available for speaking engagements and book signings, I was going to have to be mobile. I tried things I had tried before to lose weight and they no longer worked. I viewed bariatric surgery as my best option.As I neared my surgery date I saw the wisdom of six months of preparation. I saw this differently and thought I was sufficiently prepared for the changes that would be taking place in my life. I was ready. No. I was not.Five months later, I am still learning about the permanence of the decision I made. No longer can I get “tired” of having limited choices because my digestive system reacts so differently to foods I had always eaten. I cannot get frustrated with life and turn to Pizza or Ice cream as a “fix.” I am committed to the permanence of this decision.Now, I am dealing with life on vacation after bariatric surgery. I am currently allowed one-third of a cup of food at each meal. I cannothave sweets or carbs in any amount, other than the carbs found in vegetables. My fruit choices are limited because of the natural sugars they contain. My digestive system balks unless I am eating yogurt, hummus, refried beans, or some kinds of soft cheeses. This is pretty well my diet options at this time. The surgery is not limiting my choices, my own body is. I can eat meat, fish, chicken, eggs, etc. but when the food hits my small new stomach, my body says, “NO!”To go to a restaurant and order food that will settle well on my stomach and only eat a third of a cup is proving to be frustrating. It is easier to eat a slight serving of yogurt and call it a meal. I still have protein drinks I need to consume to keep my needed protein consumption in line with what the surgery deems necessary. It has been difficult. It has put a cloud over one of the most enjoyable parts of vacationing, the new food options available in all parts of the country.
​I chose this. I cannot look back and second guess my choice. I can look at food differently than I ever have before and that is what I am now doing. I will address this topic again in a few months, I am sure, as I continue to work with the opportunity I have been given through this surgery. I do not regret my choice, but I am learning to adjust. I will continue to make the adjustments necessary but right now, I would love to celebrate with some good old fashioned food.